In a world heavily reliant on automobiles, the concept of No Vehicle November might sound radical to some, but to Zygg, an innovative eBike subscription service, it's an opportunity to showcase the transformative power of electric bikes. The month-long initiative is not just about abstaining from traditional cars; it's a celebration of sustainable alternatives. Zygg is supporting No Vehicle November as we believe that electric bikes are one of the best methods out there to replace car trips.
What is No Vehicle November?
No Vehicle November (NVN for short) is an initiative to encourage people to:
Not use their vehicle(s) during the month,
Plan activities using alternative and active transportation, and
Share their experience with friends and family along the way
When we say “No Vehicles” what do we mean?
This means you will not plan to use your vehicle, whether owned, leased, rented, or hired during the challenge. Carpooling is the only acceptable use of vehicles during the month, as it reduces the number of cars on the roads. Other methods of transportation accepted as part of the challenge include: walking, public transit, trains, bikes, electric mobility devices (e-bikes, scooters, etc.), and anything else that you need to get around your cities that isn’t a vehicle.
Why is NVN important?
The purpose of the initiative is to drive down greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. After the energy we use to run our buildings, transportation accounts for the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in cities. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a single car emits, on average, about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Although shifting consumer vehicles from combustion to electric engines is critical, even more important is the need to reduce our usage of vehicles altogether. In 2022, according to Tesla’s impact report roughly 30.7 million tons of carbon dioxide were released while manufacturing and selling their vehicles, while Ford reported emitting more than 337 million metric tons of CO2. Reducing emissions requires more than simply replacing all gas vehicles for electric. The transportation transition will require less vehicles to exist in the future for overall emissions to lower.
How will NVN make an impact?
To prepare for a future with less urban driving and to impact the hardest of all to change - behaviour - it is important we come together, build community around this required collective action, and challenge ourselves to drive less. By dedicating a month, week or weekend to not driving, it is possible to learn the simple tips and techniques to living without a vehicle. And the impacts are immediate, for every diverted vehicle trip carbon dioxide is not released into the atmosphere.
As the effects of climate change have already started to impact cities, our underserved communities are the first to bear the costs of too much carbon in our atmosphere. As a result, this behaviour changing challenge seeks to support those most in need and is raising funds for the Parkdale Community Food Bank in Toronto for our 2023 campaign.
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in participating, please let us know you’re up for the challenge by following and sharing on Instagram @NoVehicleNovember and by joining our Strava club. You will receive tips and stories from others in the community in your feed, and share kudos with fellow NVNers on Strava. If you like the idea and want to show your support, still follow along on Instagram or donate to help the most impacted individuals from climate change in our cities.
Engage with like-minded organizations and individuals, help encourage the usage of alternative and active, low carbon methods of transportation, such as walking, biking, public transit, and other micro-mobility options.